Having tried a 2013 XKR last month (superb), I finally got to testdrive my dream car - an Aston Martin DB9 - on Saturday at the Brussels dealership. I have to say it was a bit of a disappointment: 100hp more than my XKR, but it felt a lot more ponderous. The power (and noise) were there, but it just didn't feel alive, no kick up the pants like you get in the XKR

They then let me try a Vantage S and that was completely different: tight, racy, gorgeous exhaust noise and great fun The S model has very firm suspension, however, so I wouldn't go for that. The salesman, who was extremely knowledgeable, said the standard Vantage is half way between the S and the DB9.
Sounds perfect

 

While you are sampling the AM lineup, you might as well try out everything in the stable. What about a V12 Vantage? You get that extra 4 cylinders of noise in the smaller car

I must say, it's good to hear the new Jaguars are hanging in there with the more expensive marks. Good on them.

 

I would definitely say that 'eyes closed' (so you don't see the badge), the XKR - both the X100 and X150 - are nicer to drive than the DB9.

The salesman at Brussels said the V12 Vantage was his favourite car, but he didn't have one for me to try. I imagine that the ride would be even firmer than on the Vantage S, though, and believe me it was very hard, especially on the Belgian cobbles. I was chatting away to the salesman in the passenger seat and I had literally to start my sentence again at one point, because the air was shaken out of my lungs

 

You can also consider a Vanquish which is a very smooth drive. I prefer ot on top of the DB9.
The Vantage is too feminin. It just looks too small from the side

 

As I've heard, the old Vanquish could be a real bear to keep going, plagued by Lucas, Prince of Darkness, style electrical gremlins. The new Vanquish looks to be quite a car but all that carbon fiber doesn't come cheap.

Was the DB9 you drove the new 2013 face lifted version, or the older one?

 

I should have made it clear that I will be looking for a 2009-ish model. I can't afford a new car, so the new Vanquish is out of the question... much as I would love to have one. I believe the DB9 I drove was a 2010 model.

I have also realised that a 2009 XKR would be considerably more affordable, both to buy and run. It was as exhilirating to drive as the V8 Vantage and offers 2 admittedly tiny rear seats...

 

I would be happy with the color on either of those. Absolutely gorgeous.

I've decided not to upgrade past my '05 XKR. There's too much of it that I love that is gone from the newer models. I figure Avos' twin screw kit and a lsd will make the XKR a thrill ride... and that new shock system someone just posted looks really promising too.

The hand-craftmanship of Aston leaves me envious, but the updates I can do will leave me more than satisfied with my XKR. I wish you luck on your hunt! Enjoy taking the time finding the right one. I know I would....

 

You're right. I bet Astons aren't nearly as tweakable as Jaguars. Certainly I haven't been able to find an AM forum half as good as this one.

 

I'd check out the old Vanquish, as someone else suggested. It uses some of the parts from the X100, so it can't be too bad of an electrical system. The old Vanquish is probably the best looking Aston out there in my opinion.

 

i too have driven both DB9 and V8 Vantage....and felt similar. the DB9 is a luxury cruiser....but feels like a heavy porker when taking turns. does not feel fast, does not have great brakes

the Vantage however was a fun zippy car....id prefer it over the DB9

 

Yes, the old Vanquish looks fantastic, but they're becoming collectable now, so mega $$$.

I am leaning more and more towards a 2009+ XKR: 510hp, great noise, (nearly) 4 seats and relatively cheap (compared to Astons).

I have found this 2011 model for around £40K with just 8000 miles on the clock:





I can't bring myself to love the dash, however. Even on the latest models it looks as if it's been lifted from a Ford, albeit a nice one:

 

The V8 in the Vantage is a relative of the XK but with the XKR you are already starting off with an Eaton, and if you go for a 5.0L I believe it's one of the newer TVS types, which is half way to a twin screw.

While it is undoubtedly a better car than the X100, I just can't get myself to love the looks of the X150. To me it has a rather blank and dumbfounded look on its face, the tail lights are a little too Mazda Miata and as you say about the interior, meh.

 

Yes, the X150 is not a classic like our X100s, but the X150 XKR I tried last month did look very nice in person and the interior didn't disappoint me as much as it always seems to in photos. I agree the headlights are way too gloopy. The face always reminds me of a Hyundai coupé:



It looks a lot better from the 2012 facelift:

 

Ouch!

 

Presumably, you don't need to tweak much on an Aston... and I'd also rather have an Aston than one of the 07+ XKRs.

 

Dangerous! haha j/k Like the comparisons and I just wish I could test drive some of these cars! Think closest AM dealer is >200 miles away....

 

Have you tried the Maserati GT.....?! That's one sweet grand tourer and a sexy one at that... Plus it shouldn't remind you of a Tiburon.....